The debate : the legendary contest of two giants of graphic design / Wim Crouwel, Jan Van Toorn ; foreword by Rick Poynor ; essays by Frederike Huygen and Dingenus Van De Vrie.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Crouwel, Wim, author.

Toorn, Jan van, 1932-2020, author.

Poynor, Rick, author of afterword, colophon, etc.

Contributor:

Huygen, Frederique, contributor.

Vrie, Dingenus van de, contributor.

Standardized Title:

Crouwel - van Toorn. English.

Language:

Dutch

English

Subjects (All):

Graphic arts.

Physical Description:

174 pages : color illustrations ; 18 cm

Edition:

First American edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : The Monacelli Press, [2015]

Summary:

"The first English translation of a famous 1972 debate between Dutch graphic designers Wim Crouwel and Jan van Toorn, a public clash of subjectivity versus objectivity at Amsterdam's Museum Fodor that helped set the stage for bold philosophical showdowns to come in design culture. Held in response to an exhibition of Van Toorn's work at Stedelijk Museum, including student posters protesting the Vietnam War--in an era of youth culture and increasing resistance to authority, capitalism, and the power of media--the stakes were aesthetic, ethical, and politically charged. Crouwel defended his approach of neutrality and austere rationalism, attention to typography and worksmanship, and professionalism in service of the client's message. Van Toorn argued for his use of chaos, collage, and photographs of everyday life; that a designer's ideas, personality, and political commitments are integral to the work. Dialogue on The Debate has reverberated in graphic design circles for the four decades since, and it is often referenced in modern design criticism as a key marker for the philosophical positions that continue to define the profession. The first English transcript of this key event in design history will allow a contemporary audience to discover the ongoing relevance of The Debate in an increasingly complex visual culture."--The publisher's description.

Contents:

Foreword / Rick Poyner

Introduction

The debate (transcript)

The debate in context / Frederike Huygen

Practice / Dingenus van de Vrie

Illustrations.

Notes:

Translation of: Crouwel - van Toorn : het Debat. Eindhoven : (Z)OO producties, 2008.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

9781580934121

1580934129

OCLC:

890107313